World
Gaza Hospital Director Released After Seven Months in Israeli Detention
The Gaza hospital director has finally been released after spending seven months in Israeli detention. Learn more about the circumstances surrounding his detention and release.
The release of the director of Gaza’s largest hospital on Monday was met with mixed reactions, sparking controversy across the Israeli political spectrum and raising tensions within the government.
Background
Mohammad Abu Salmiya, who headed Gaza City’s Al-Shifa Hospital, was detained by Israeli authorities for over seven months without charges. He was taken into custody in late November while accompanying a U.N. ambulance convoy evacuating patients from the hospital to southern Gaza.
The Israeli military claimed that Hamas operated from within the Shifa complex, citing evidence such as a fortified tunnel found underneath the hospital grounds. Investigations also suggested that Hamas used the site for cover and weapon storage.
Reactions
Dr. Abu Salmiya’s unexpected release surprised Israeli officials. Itamar Ben Gvir, a far-right minister, criticized the decision as “security negligence,” blaming the defense minister and the chief of Shin Bet for contradicting government policies.
The office of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that the release was not under his approval. The Israeli Prison Service attributed the decision to the military and Shin Bet, but the military denied having custody of Dr. Abu Salmiya.
Even Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu distanced himself from the release, calling it “an egregious error and a moral failure.” He emphasized that key authorities were not informed and suggested that those responsible should face consequences.